ARL Commission, Grant, fire back at NRL clubs

The seven Independent Commissioners of the Australian Rugby League have backed current Chairman John Grant unanimously after the NRL clubs called for an emergency general meeting to remove him from the post.

The Commissioners released the following statement backing Grant ahead of the general meeting on December 2016.

"John's appointment as inaugural Chair recognised his qualities as a successful business man, who as a former Kangaroo, was ideally suited to take the game forward," the statement read.

"He has since undertaken his role without bias and with the best interests of the game as his priority at all times.

"The Commission has an obligation to do what is right for the whole of game, not only for the elite game but also for grassroots, the women's game, participation and our digital future – and that is what we have sought to achieve.

"We unanimously and resolutely support John and believe it is in the best interests of the game for him to remain as Chair."

Grant visited the opening of the new facilities for the Gold Coast Titans and spoke to media about the action taken by the clubs.

"Will I step down? It’s not being considered at the moment," Grant said.

"My job is to make sure that this game prospers.

"Part of that is for the clubs to prosper, but the other part is for us to make sure we get the funds back into the grassroots.

"We have all the information. We’re able to see a position that we think they will see as well.

"We all need to focus on the future. We need to stop personalising it.

"We need to start thinking about the game and our clubs. In fact, there’s an obligation with the chairs of clubs to do the right thing by their clubs."